Frequently Asked Questions
Tunedly
- What does Tunedly do?
Tunedly is a full-service online music production platform for songwriters, artists, and content creators. We offer two powerful production paths:
- Studio Production, where our award-winning team produces your song based on your lyrics, demo, or concept—fast, polished, and done entirely in-house.
- Live Production, where you handpick your musicians and vocalists for a more hands-on, customizable experience.
We handle everything from initial idea to finished master, and also provide optional publishing services, licensing opportunities, and access to our global industry deal flow.
Whether you’re a beginner with lyrics, an AI user needing human production for copyright eligibility, or a seasoned songwriter looking for pro-level results, Tunedly helps turn your vision into a release-ready, fully monetizable track—created by real humans, in real studios.
- Do I retain all rights to my song?
Yes, if you produce a song with Tunedly, you retain all rights. Even if you hire a composer through Tunedly, you will own all rights to the song, including the composition. We operate on a strict ‘work made for hire’ basis. In addition, this is unique because if you create music with AI you don’t own anything and you cannot copyright it. So Tunedly is a perfect partner to take something you may have generated with AI and then produce it out with real musicians and instruments, so it is again something you retain the rights to, and can exploit / release however you so desire!
- What is Tunedly Pro and Tunedly AI?
Tunedly Pro and Tunedly AI are membership options designed to enhance your music creation experience. Tunedly Pro includes access to our AI-powered music tools, a 10% discount on all Tunedly production packages, and more, all for $20 per month. Tunedly AI is a streamlined option at just $5 per month, giving you access to AI tools to assist in songwriting and ideation. Both memberships offer more value and creative tools, and are more affordable than similar services in the market.
- What can I expect from the Tunedly Project Manager?
Your dedicated project manager is your main point of contact throughout the production process. They’ll keep you updated on the progress of your song, manage communication with musicians, and ensure that your creative vision is understood by everyone involved. They are there to guide you, answer questions, and help refine your project to meet your expectations.
- What’s the difference between Studio and Live Production?
Studio production is how most songs get produced, and can result in a very polished and tight track. It may use some live instruments but mostly it’s high-quality studio (software) instruments put together using various methods and skills, in a studio using a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW). Don’t let the concept fool you, this is still talented and human musicians playing the music, but it’s being then put into a DAW with all sorts of real instruments and sounds created in the studio (but often sampled from actual live instruments). It’s our most polished and tight result. Live Production is a real instrument being played, and recorded. This can be a much more imperfect process, loose timing, but has that raw, human, ‘live’ feeling.
- What formats will I receive my final song in?
We deliver tracks in AIFF format (WAV by request) at 48kHz, which is the modern studio standard. MP3s are included for ease of sharing, and we can provide instrumentals on request. If you need specific export settings (e.g., 192kHz), please let us know upfront. Stems are available on Premium packages as a paid add-on only.
- Do I have to sign up before I submit a project?
Yes. But membership is free - just select the free memership option to start. We also highly recommend one of our paid membership options, especially Tunedly Pro as it's a great deal to get 10% off all your music production!
To start a project, you’ll need to create an account and use the project submission portal on our site. This allows us to manage your files, reference your creative direction, chat with you directly at length so all members of the team can see the discussion, and ensure your track is handled properly by our team with everything in one place. We cannot manage your project over email, or upload your songs to a specific 3rd party platform or your own Dropbox etc. The files will be made available on our platform, only using a Dropbox transfer when files are too large and when we are sending final deliverables of WAV/AIFF, instrumentals (if requested) and stems (if purchased). This final Dropbox transfer link will be posted on the project management system.
To keep you in the loop, the project management system has extensive notifications that get sent to you by email, so you'll never miss an important update.
- What if I want Tunedly to have creative freedom, but still want my references considered?
That’s exactly what Studio Production is designed for. You can be as hands-off or hands-on as you like. If you include guides, demos, or notes, we’ll review and consider them even if we ultimately produce something fresh based on the emotional tone and intended vibe.
- Will you override my genre or creative direction?
Never without cause. We only deviate from your creative brief if you give us flexibility to do so or if there’s ambiguity in the direction. If you want us to stick tightly to your instructions, be sure to state that clearly in your submission. This ensures we interpret your vision accurately. The Studio Production Packages are design to be more hands-off, less prescriptive. If you want absolute full control, use the Live Production packages.
- What happens if I only submit an a cappella or melody line?
If we only receive a vocal line or melody idea, we will create the harmonic foundation (chords and structure) around that melody to build a complete song as part of our Studio Production Packages. If you're using Live Production, Song Composition is a paid add-on that you'll need to add to your order. You’re welcome to include any harmonic notes, references, or chord suggestions to guide us, but it’s not required—we handle composition if it’s missing.
- Can I send a rough demo or voice memo as part of my project brief?
Yes! Many of our clients send simple voice memos, rough demos, or rendered mockups using plug-ins or voice instruments. These are helpful to establish the song’s direction, feel, or emotional tone. While our Studio team may not follow them note-for-note unless explicitly requested, your references are absolutely part of the creative brief.
- Can I get support on the phone or email?
In order to keep our prices as low as possible, Tunedly is primarily an online music production studio. We have musicians and project managers all across the world. When you begin a new production and create your project, you’ll be able to have unlimited communication on the project platform’s chat interface, to define your requirements and chat about the direction of your song. This works so well that it’s rare that anything further would be of benefit to your project. Priority support that includes support over the phone is restricted to those who have purchased the ‘Unlimited Production’ package.
- What happens if I don’t like the final result?
Tunedly provides one round of revisions per project (with some limits in the Studio Production packages), and an additionanl round with the Premium Studio Production Package. We work closely with you throughout the process to capture your vision, and we strive to deliver results you’ll love. While art is subjective and we cannot guarantee complete satisfaction, our musicians and project managers aim to produce a track that aligns with professional standards and your creative goals.
- What’s the difference between a single instrument and a full production package?
A single instrument package includes a professionally recorded track of one instrument (e.g., guitar, drums). A full production package, on the other hand, is a complete arrangement featuring multiple instruments, vocal tracks, and extensive mixing/mastering for a radio-ready result. Full production is ideal for anyone looking to create a polished, multi-layered song.
- Can I get advice on song structure and lyrics?
Yes, our project managers and session musicians are available to provide input on song structure, lyrics, and other creative elements. For more detailed assistance, Tunedly Pro and AI members can use the Tunedly Music Assistant to refine song ideas, explore new themes, and even generate lyrics based on prompts. Or ideally, just leave it to us and we’ll make sure it’s a great result.
- Can I get the stems?
If you have paid for a separate live instrument package and that’s how the project ended up heading, then yes, we usually can provide stems for an add-on fee. Contact your project manager to discuss. Stems are not available for the Essentials or Enhanced Studio Production package, but are available for the Premium, but must be requested and paid for before work is started on your project.
- Can I come back years later to retrieve my project files from Tunedly?
Tunedly is not a cloud storage or archiving service. While we provide all project files at the time of delivery, it’s your responsibility to download and store them safely. We don’t guarantee indefinite access.
If you worked with Tunedly prior to our platform rebuild late 2024, please note that the old system was built on outdated infrastructure that became non-functional after Amazon Web Services deprecated support for the technology it relied on. As a result, any files from older projects are permanently inaccessible.
The current Tunedly platform is modern, secure, and reliable—but even so, it’s not designed to be your long-term backup. Always download and save your project files when your song is completed.
- Can I indicate a genre or specific production preferences?
Absolutely. You can specify genre, style, tempo, mood, and preferred instruments (e.g., strings instead of pads). If those elements matter to you, mention them in your project brief. We follow your direction when it’s clearly stated.
- How does Tunedly support music creators financially?
Tunedly is committed to fair compensation for all musicians involved in projects. Unlike platforms that offer “unlimited revisions,” we respect musicians’ time and talents, ensuring they are fairly paid for each session. This approach allows us to work with high-quality musicians while keeping our services affordable for creators.
- Is my data safe with Tunedly?
Yes, we take data privacy and security seriously. Tunedly uses industry-standard encryption to protect your information. We partner with trusted platforms like Cloudflare & Google for secure login and authentication, ensuring your account and personal data are safe.
- What payment methods do you accept?
Tunedly accepts major credit cards, debit cards, and, in some cases, payment services like PayPal. All payments are processed securely, and we provide a full breakdown of charges before confirming your order. We never have access to your card, and a charge can only be authorized by you directly when checking out. Make sure you're aware of any convenience features like "Link" that log you in to your credit card that you've used in the past, as you can quickly checkout using these methods. But again, nobody at Tunedly can manually charge your card or take money from you at any time, the payment processing is all handled by a 3rd party.
- How do I know I’ll get a high-quality final track?
Tunedly works exclusively with top-tier session musicians and engineers. We uphold strict standards for studio quality, and all musicians are vetted for skill and professionalism. You’ll receive a track that meets industry standards, and we provide one round of revisions to help ensure the song aligns with your vision.
- Can I choose specific musicians to work on my project?
Yes, if you purchased one of the ‘Live Production’ packages, you can choose specific musicians from our roster. Tunedly’s roster includes a variety of talented artists across multiple genres and styles, and you have the option to select the musicians you think will best fit your project. Some availability may vary depending on the musician, but we will always work with you to find the appropriate (and available) musicians for your project, for best results. If you purchased a ‘Studio Production’ package, no, the ability to select specific musicians is not available, as the production is done by a local team or studio musicians who work together and have a streamlined workflow that ensures the most polished and professional studio production, like in any Hollywood studio.
- Is the Tunedly platform beginner-friendly?
Yes, Tunedly is designed for all skill levels, from beginners to experienced professionals. Our project managers are available to guide you, and our AI tools can help beginners generate ideas and structure songs. Additionally, Tunedly’s optional add-ons (like melody and song composition) make it easier for beginners to create a complete, professional song.
- How is Tunedly different from other online music production platforms?
Tunedly sets itself apart with a focus on real musicians, a unique combination of human and AI support tools, and comprehensive project management. While many platforms rely solely on automation, we believe in blending technology with human creativity to achieve the best results. Every project is carefully managed by dedicated professionals to ensure a high-quality final product.
- Do you offer refunds?
Refunds are not available on Tunedly projects. This is because, regardless of the outcome, musicians must be paid for their work. Even if someone does not like the final result (given that art is subjective), it does not change the fact that real musicians have spent hours working on your project, and it is unfair to expect them to work for free. However, we take the time to understand your vision and do everything we can to provide a final result that you’re absolutely delighted with. Our team comprises the highest-quality professional musicians in the world, and we are confident in delivering a professional-level track. While we cannot guarantee subjective satisfaction, we can guarantee a professional, high-quality, and musically coherent final product.
- Can you help me with composing?
Some of our clients are lyricists with limited music knowledge. Our roster of session musicians and in-house production team can help you create a melody for your lyrics. Simply include the add-on ‘melody composition’ if you need help with melody, and ‘song composition’ if you also want someone to write, arrange, and compose the chords and structure of your song. In addition, we offer membership options for Tunedly AI and Tunedly Pro, giving you access to AI assistants to help put your ideas together before Tunedly produces the final song with real musicians. And we also have Studio Production packages where we can include the composition as part of the process already.
- How long is your turnaround time?
This depends on the scope of your project. Single instruments usually take between 2-5 days, while full song productions with 5+ instruments and multiple vocalists take 2-4 weeks. Studio Production can be anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks depending on the project.
- How do I communicate with the musicians?
You can leave messages directly on the project management page for all musicians involved in your project, and your project manager will keep you up to date as progress is made. Please note that making music is a time-consuming process, and patience is wise during the creative and production phases. Once you have paid and submitted all the required information to begin your project, you can trust that we are on it, minimizing the need to ask for daily updates. Instead, use the chat to discuss your creative vision, song references/style/genre etc, and other general notes that will help the musicians get as close to your vision as possible. Note that overly prescriptive directions (such as line by line) or being very specific about performance or arrangement can be an impediment to the creative process to create the best artistic result for your song.
This isn’t a ‘coaching’ session for you, so we do not offer ‘training’ or help in understanding music (we recommend the wonderful service ‘Studio’ if you want to gain musical training from professional musicians, or watching YouTube videos about music production and songwriting). Tunedly’s role is to take over the incredibly challenging process of sourcing high-quality professional session musicians and/or highly talented Studio producers who will add to your song ideas—whether that’s just an idea or a fully produced track where you want someone to add a live guitar, for example. No matter the type of project, Tunedly is here as your partner to help manage this process: finding musicians, collating their contributions, and putting it all together to mix and master the final track as per your brief.
- How do I know your session musicians provide studio-quality recordings?
All of our session musicians are thoroughly vetted. Many have advanced degrees from highly respected music schools, have won Grammy awards, or have been part of chart-topping productions in the past. With Tunedly, you can be sure to always receive studio-quality, highly professional music production services, and you will always know exactly who is part of your project. You can even choose the musicians yourself (when you choose a Live Production package)
- How many revisions do I get?
The Essentials Studio Production package does not include a revision, but every other package comes with one revision, with an additional revision for the Premium Production package. All live production packages come with a single revision. Small tweaks or changes beyond this are considered on a case-by-case basis to prevent misuse. Each project involves extremely talented musicians working on your song, and Tunedly believes musicians should always be paid for their time and talent. While we understand that art is subjective and we strive to deliver a track you’re thrilled with, we cannot offer unlimited revisions for no extra charge. Regardless of the outcome, we believe musicians should be compensated fairly for their contributions, and our low fees do not cover multiple revisions per project.
- How much does it cost?
Prices range from $99 for a basic as is ‘essentials’ track based on your idea or lyrics, $199 for a single live instrument to $800 for a full-band production, with many other add-on services available. We recommend the Studio Production packages to balance budget and quality, if that’s a consideration for you. Feel free to check out the Create a Project page for more detailed pricing information.
- Can you help me write a song?
We can certainly help you write your song. Simply place a production order, and our team will assist you with the entire process, from writing to composing your music, if needed. If you don’t have finished lyrics, a melody, or a chord progression, be sure to add the relevant services (lyrics, melody, or song composition) to your order. For a fully produced track that includes support and face-to-face creative discussions—similar to working with a top Hollywood music producer—add the ‘Unlimited Production’ add-on. This allows us to fully build out your track with hundreds of tracks and tuned/comped vocals, resulting in a high-end, release-ready product.
- Can you guarantee song placements?
Nobody can guarantee placements or contracts in the music industry. If anyone does, don’t walk away… run! We guarantee that all parts recorded by Tunedly are of professional, studio-quality, and meet the highest industry standards. While we may sign your song to a publishing deal, you will need to submit it for consideration as a finished product—no amateur-recorded home demos!
- Do you offer payment plans?
All music production and recording projects must be paid in full upfront. If you want to record a full album, you can order each song one at a time, spreading out your payments that way.
- How many musicians do you have?
Tunedly currently works with over 100 session musicians, singers, and engineers, allowing us to produce music in any genre and style.
- Where are you based?
Tunedly is owned and operated in Los Angeles, CA. We have staff in New York, Colorado, Australia, and Canada, as well as session musicians across almost every U.S. state and from around the world.
- I’m new to songwriting. Can you help?
Certainly! Our clients range from full-time professional songwriters and music producers to beginners. Your dedicated project manager will be with you every step of the way, guiding you through the process. You can leave messages on the Tunedly app if you have any questions. Tunedly also offers add-ons for lyric, melody, and song composition, or you can use the Studio Production Packages to have a basic demo done for you based on your idea or lyrics.
- How does AI integrate into the music production process at Tunedly?
AI is used soley as a support tool to assist you in brainstorming and exploring different musical directions. It’s not a replacement for real musicians but a supplement to help you form a clearer vision. Our professional musicians and producers are the ones who bring depth, emotion, and a human touch to your final track. Our artists and musicians may use AI at different times as part of their creative process, but it’s always a real human making the music and working it. Real artists, real musicians, creating art.
- What is the Tunedly Music Assistant?
The Tunedly Music Assistant is an AI-powered tool available to Tunedly AI and Pro members. It helps you brainstorm lyrics, song structures, themes, and more. While it’s a powerful tool for creative inspiration, it doesn’t produce finished songs—think of it as a musical brainstorming partner. When you’re ready, you can submit your ideas to our real musicians for a fully produced track.
- Can I bring in some of my own tracks during mixing?
At this time, Tunedly productions are created entirely using our vetted team of professional musicians and vocalists. To maintain the highest quality and consistency, we do not accept external stems or third-party performances.
If you’d like to incorporate your own recordings or use outside talent, you are absolutely welcome to handle mixing independently. For that, you’ll need the multitrack stems — which are available as a paid add-on included only with our high-end production packages.
Thanks for understanding — we’re here to make your music shine with a streamlined, top-tier process from start to finish!
- What is “Unlimited Production” and why would I add it?
The “Unlimited Production” add-on offers the most comprehensive service, including face-to-face or on the phone/facetime creative discussions if you prefer, full vocal tuning/comping, and a high level of detail in track layering, which you’d typically only get from a top-tier Hollywood producer. This package is ideal if you’re looking to create a radio-ready, high-end song with intricate arrangements and polished vocals. It's 'unlimited' because it also doesn't come with any restrictions on revisions (within logic and reason). We'll keep working until you are absolutely happy, even if it means starting over as many times as you need.
- Can I collaborate with Tunedly musicians remotely?
Absolutely! Tunedly was designed for seamless remote collaboration. You can communicate directly with the musicians working on your project through the Tunedly platform, share notes, and provide guidance to shape the music exactly how you envision it.
- Do you provide mastering services?
Yes, Tunedly provides mastering as a separate service, ensuring your song meets professional sound quality standards. Mastering adds the final polish, balances frequencies, and prepares your track for distribution on streaming platforms. If you already have a final track, we also offer mastering as a standalone service.
- How does Tunedly handle publishing and licensing?
Tunedly offers optional music publishing services if you wish to submit your song for consideration. Our publishing team reviews completed songs for quality and commercial potential, and selected tracks may be signed for a publishing deal. However, you retain full ownership rights to your music unless you choose to enter a publishing agreement.
- What happens if my physical limitations or lack of knowledge about playing instruments prevent me from performing or recording music myself?
You’re not alone—many of our clients are non-performing songwriters or have physical limitations that prevent them from recording their ideas instrumentally. That’s exactly what Tunedly is here for. We can have professionals play all instruments for you based on your notes, songs, writings etc. Just share your song notes, lyrics, or a rough vocal guide, and our team will take it from there to produce a professional track.